BREAKING: The Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team achieved a stunning 95-50 victory over Alcorn State on Saturday morning at Williams Arena. In a display of defensive prowess, the Gophers did not allow a single basket until 12:10 remained in the first half, racing to an impressive 17-0 lead.
This commanding win marks the Gophers’ largest margin of victory since a 46-point win against Northern Michigan in 1976. Their performance was bolstered by a relentless defense, scoring 27 points off 16 turnovers committed by Alcorn State, which now holds a dismal record of 0-3 this season.
Head coach Niko Medved emphasized the importance of the early start, pushing his team to be ready. “Guys’ mentality was awesome,” Medved stated. “We were really locked in defensively, hustling on the glass, and our defense led to some early offense.” The Gophers’ intensity on defense translated into offense, as they established an unassailable lead early in the game.
In addition to the team’s overall success, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson delivered an outstanding performance, achieving his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Medved praised his defensive work, particularly against Alcorn State’s leading scorer, who was held scoreless.
Point guard Chansey Willis, who had a quiet opener, stepped up with 11 points and four assists in the first half, finishing the game with 13 points. Meanwhile, Cade Tyson, coming off a high-scoring game against Gardner-Webb, added 21 points to the scoreboard, including a remarkable 10 of 11 shooting from the free-throw line.
The Gophers’ strong start echoes their season opener against Gardner-Webb, where they also dominated defensively, not allowing a field goal until 11:17 into the game. Over the first two games under Medved, the Gophers have not given up a basket for over 16 minutes combined.
However, challenges lie ahead as Minnesota prepares to face a tougher opponent, Missouri, on Wednesday with both teams currently holding a record of 2-0. Medved expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, stating, “The players have been really locked in… They really take information and buy in.”
Despite the victory, the Gophers faced injury concerns, with several players, including BJ Omot and Grayson Grove, unavailable for the game. Isaac Asuma is also dealing with a back injury but continues to contribute on the court.
As the Gophers look to capitalize on this momentum, fans are eager to see how they will perform against stronger competition. Stay tuned for updates on their upcoming matchup against Missouri.
